2021 Mercedes Benz GLC43 Review
2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 43
Base MSRP: $70,895
Specs: 385 HP / 384 TQ
Twin Turbo V6
0-60: 4.3 Seconds
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
The ‘43 series of vehicles by the beloved folks over at AMG strikes the perfect balance of performance, efficiency, price and since it’s an AMG…soul.
AMG vehicles are categorized by the following factors:
Ravenous exhaust notes tuned by Hades himself
Abundance of low-end torque to make your ‘coal-rolling’ douche of a neighbor jealous
A driving experience that will make you laugh maniacally.
Yes, there is a ‘one engine, one person’ philosophy for their V8 powered vehicles, and some people would argue that should be bullet point number 1. On some level…I agree. Their V8 powered machines are pure automotive lunacy (in a good way). BUT, judging on the merits of giddiness while driving, the ‘43 series do indeed earn their place in the AMG lineup.
So how does this GLC43 compare? Let’s break it down:
The Great
The GLC43 is defined by it’s twin turbo V6 and it’s excellent 9 speed automatic. Paired together in the drivetrain heaven, this pair can seamlessly switch from serene to screaming with a flip of the drive mode dial. With 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds it wipes the floor with the Audi SQ5 and matches the more expensive Porsche Macan S.
If those numbers do not make you go ‘o0o0’ then it’s exhaust snarl will! Sure, the BMW X3 M40i has it’s own bang and pops in Sport Mode but the Bimmer’s sounds artificial and coded in, while the GLC43’s sounds more genuine.
The Good
I miss you dear friend. This GLC43 comes with one the best steering wheels ever fitted to a production vehicle. Everything on it is dialed to perfection! From the size, the feel of the actual physical buttons and material quality…it’s a work of steering wheel art (if there is such a thing).
Unfortunately, all ‘newer’ AMG vehicles are now sullied with a capacitive button’d mess of a wheel that makes me want to cry.
This is one though, is the benchmark.
The Bad
While the cabin is quiet around town, the highway experience is something else. Wind, tire and road noise are ever present and encompassing.
The Ugly
For all the AMG love I have…there is one undisputed fact in all of their models: Their seats suck.
From their sedans, to their SUVS to their supercars…all of AMG’s seats are hard, back breaking and needless to say…uncomfortable.
The Overall
The Mercedes Benz GLC43 is a vehicle that fits the bill for the person who doesn’t want to compromise the sports sedan driving experience for the practicality a crossover can afford.
It’s driving experience is so good, that you would be hard-pressed tell the difference between this and it’s C43 counterpart on public roads.
So if you’re looking for a performance compact crossover…the 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC43 is just about perfect.
